MaxiMet with Rain Gauge & Inclinometer models debut at InterSolar 2016

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Gill Instruments will launch two new MaxiMet variants on stand B2-159 at InterSolar from 22nd– 24th June 2016.

The new models have introduced new features to Gill’s solar product portfolio. As well as existing features such as solar radiation sensors which measure energy from the sun, the new models offer more options for measuring precipitation.

Each of the new MaxiMet all-in-one weather stations – the GMX 531 and GMX 551, includes instruments to measure temperature, humidity, pressure, wind speed/direction and solar radiation. The GMX 531 also includes an aerodynamic tipping bucket rain gauge supplied with a 20m cable, allowing it to be positioned in accordance with WMO guidelines. The rain gauge measures to typical 0.2mm resolution and is capable of recording precipitous events up to 1000mm per hour at ±2% accuracy. The GMX 551 includes an integrated connector to which any 0.2mm rain gauge can be linked.

“The new MaxiMet models have many features including the integrated Hukseflux LP02 solar radiation sensor which is widely used for PV performance monitoring and complies with WMO Guidelines and ISO 9060 standards. This kind of quality within the MaxiMet range the helps our solar customers to monitor efficiency and improve performance and the integrated Modbus output makes installation simple.” says Paul Rogers, Head of Sales at Gill Instruments.

The new MaxiMet models will be on stand B2-159 at InterSolar from the 22nd– 24th June in Munich, Germany.

For more information or to download a datasheet please visit gillinstruments.com/MaxiMet 

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Gill collaborate with local companies to create a high profile weather float

Gill Instruments’ MaxiMet Compact Weather Station has been chosen to provide weather data across one of the UK’s busiest stretches of water.

Working in collaboration with Rock Seven, Hydrosphere and the ABP Port of Southampton, a new weather website has been launched to support safety and voyage planning for users of the Solent. The website reports the real-time conditions from data captured on the Calshot Spit Light Float and is available for both professional and recreational users.

The Solent is a major shipping route for passenger, freight and military vessels carrying over 42 million tonnes of cargo each year. Recreational water sports including yachting also populate the water, as it hosts the annual Cowes Week sailing event.

The Solent divides the Isle of Wight from the mainland and has a complex tidal pattern, known as a “double high tide” which varies the width of the water by an additional one to four miles, extending the tidal window when deep-draught ships can dock.

Gill’s MaxiMet GMX600 is used to provide superior real-time meteorological data to provide current weather conditions affecting the water and tide levels. The weather station sits at the top of the float and is integrated into Rock Seven’s RockFLEET vessel tracking and communication system, reporting data on wind direction, speed, air temperature, humidity and precipitation.

The Calshot Spit float is a collaboration of the best instrumentation from local organisations to create a high profile weather float. It is managed by ABP Southampton and alongside MaxiMet is fitted with instrumentation from Hydrosphere, with satellite technology provided by Rock Seven.

The new Solent weather website is now live to browse via www.rock7.com/wind

For more information on how MaxiMet Weather Stations can be used for superior meteorological measurement please contact 01590 613500.

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Using MaxiMet for Solar Park applications

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Solar Parks are growing rapidly and generating hundreds of thousands of megawatts of PV power each year. Solar measurement instruments are critical to site profiling and monitoring the performance of solar parks, they are also extremely important in measuring return on investment.

Gill Instruments, leaders in meteorological instrumentation will exhibit at Solar Power International in September, alongside local distributor Dynamax, where Gill will display MaxiMet – their latest range of compact weather stations. MaxiMet is an all-in-one weather station, with 9 models in the range, each measuring different meteorological parameters including solar radiation, precipitation, wind speed and direction, temperature and more.

MaxiMet provides solar park operators with the essential meteorological parameters to help monitor efficiency and optimise maintenance routines. Selecting a MaxiMet with either 1st Class, 2nd Class or Secondary Standard pyrometers provides users with reference standard measurements of the amount of sunlight reaching the solar panels, enabling users to monitor the efficiency of installed systems and predict the output under various sky conditions.

The flexibility of MaxiMet’s measurement options means operators can also monitor other weather parameters such as temperature, pressure, humidity, wind and rain from an integrated station. MaxiMet is available with an optional remote fast response temperature sensor, which is mounted directly on the rear of the PV panel and assists in determining the efficiency of the panel. The data captured from the station will help indicate possible causes to changes in the power output of the solar park, advising operators of potential maintenance actions to be made to increase output efficiency and return on investment.

In addition to its configuration versatility, MaxiMet features MODBUS which can be directly interfaced with SCADA systems, offering the ability to deliver data to any networked location within the plant. Combined with the easy networking ability from MODBUS, the station also includes in-field calibration adjustment and zero maintenance which helps minimise running costs.

Visit Gill and Dynamax on stand 247 for a demonstration on how MaxiMet and Gill’s other meteorological instruments can benefit the efficiency of solar farm installations.

About Solar Power International

Solar Power International, which takes place in California from September 14-17, is the largest event dedicated to furthering the solar energy development within the US – the third largest country for solar power generation. The event is created to serve and advance the solar energy industry by bringing together the people, products and professional development opportunities that drive the solar industry.

Monitoring solar efficiency with compact weather stations

Meteorological instruments including Gill’s MaxiMet and MetPak compact weather stations can be used to provide crucial management information on the efficiency of solar parks. Meteorological instruments help identify what may affect solar park performance and inform operators about what measures could be taken to increase efficiency.

Tracking the weather

Weather stations in solar parks provide data on solar radiation, temperature, humidity, wind and rain. This data indicates a possible increase or reduction in the efficiency of the park. The following lists some of the measurement parameters and the benefits which can be realised through installing MaxiMet or MetPak weather stations.

  • ISO 9060 second class, first class and secondary standard solar radiation pyranometers to monitor the actual solar radiation which can be compared with the designed energy output from PV panels. From this, the performance of individual panels can be assessed and compared with other panels, which makes it easier to identify any panels which are not as efficient.
  • Wind speed and direction measurements can be used to calculate the wind loading on large photovoltaic panels and for solar parks which have horizontal PV trackers installed. Wind speed and direction measurements can trigger changes in the angle of incidence, as high winds can damage PV panels or their mechanisms. The use of ultrasonic wind measurements guarantees accurate performance and zero maintenance for many years unlike mechanical wind sensors.
  • During periods of rain solar production is reduced, however monitoring the rainfall can indicate how often panels may need to be cleaned. Maintenance factors including cleanliness can affect the panel’s efficiency, reducing it to less than 20%.
  • MaxiMet and MetPak feature MODBUS outputs, which can be easily connected with SCADA systems. This offers the ability to collect data from any networked location within the plant whilst also providing the facility for instruments to be easily exchanged or relocated.
  • MaxiMet and MetPak are both low maintenance which along with in-field calibration and adjustment, helps to reduce integration and long-term running costs.

Using MaxiMet or MetPak weather stations operators can access all of the meteorological measurement parameters essential to solar park efficiency.

MaxiMet offers users a single, compact “plug and play” weather station suited to most applications, whereas MetPak is a professional weather station with increased flexibility. It offers users higher accuracy industry standard sensors along with the ability to expand the weather station by adding additional sensors using the standard analogue inputs.

For more information on the benefits of weather stations in solar power applications please visit gillinstruments.com/weatherstations

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Gill’s MaxiMet provides a cost-effective way of monitoring renewable energy data

Gill Instruments will present the new range of MaxiMet compact weather stations on stand L11 at All Energy in Glasgow from the 6th-7th May 2015.

MaxiMet combines the renowned quality and reliability of Gill products into an integrated, easy-to-use and cost-effective compact weather station.

Unique in its ability to offer the widest range of measurement parameters in one compact weather station, the renewables industry can benefit from MaxiMet’s quality data that includes wind, temperature, humidity, solar radiation and precipitation among others, as well as features including low power ‘Eco mode’, GPS, Bluetooth and an in-built compass.

MaxiMet is available in 9 variants, is easy to install, small and portable making it well suited to renewable energy applications. The compact weather station’s diverse range of parameters can be tailored for multiple applications such as providing solar radiation data for solar panels, wind speed, direction and barometric pressure on wind turbines and precipitation measurement in hydropower installations.

MaxiMet’s capabilities of measuring temperature, humidity and pressure, along with its wide range of output options (MODBUS, NMEA and Serial) makes it well suited to provide environmental data for building climate control systems.

Gill Instruments are a well-known provider of ultrasonic anemometers and weather stations for challenging meteorological environments. MaxiMet is the newest in Gill’s long line of solutions for reliable climate information.

The successful WindSonic and WindObserver anemometer range will be on stand L11 throughout All Energy.

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MaxiMet Compact Weather Stations range

MaxiMet achieves major focus at Met Tech 2014

Gill Instruments was recently an official sponsor at the World’s largest meteorological technology exhibition in Brussels at which the company also launched MaxiMet, a new range of compact weather stations.

Met Tech 2014 provided the best platform to launch the new station, which received an incredible amount of interest from visitors. Combining Gill’s quality and reliability, MaxiMet is an easy-to-use and cost-effective range of weather stations suitable for applications such as road conditions, solar and wind energy, building controls and agricultural.

Visitors were among the first to see the full range of nine MaxiMet options as well as Gill’s range of ultrasonic anemometers which is the largest in the World.

“Feedback from visitors was extremely positive.” says Paul Rogers, Head of Sales at Gill Instruments. “Meteorological Technology World Expo is a fantastic event where we can show off our latest technologies and meet our industry partners and customers. As show sponsors, this year we took the opportunity to launch MaxiMet and we were very encouraged by the excitement it generated. Thank you to everyone who visited us throughout the show and we look forward to seeing you all next year.”

For more information on MaxiMet and all Gill products please contact +441590 613500 or contact@gillinstruments.com